History

Armstrong
Millworks, Inc. is a fourth generation, family-owned enterprise. It
began with Howard and Roland, as dairy farmers, in 1948 on 130 acres. Seeing
various needs in the local communities, Howard began a small side
business in millworks in addition to his regular farm duties and
chores. Using a tractor-powered wood planer and hand tools, he built
potato crates, chicken feeders, wagon and truck beds, other
farm-related needs, stakes for Detroit Edison, baseball bats, cabinets,
trophies, altars, crosses, and church furniture. Howard's wife,
Thelma, took on the accounting and also caught boards from the sander
or planer when her assistance was needed. Thelma enhanced the trophy
part of the business by offering engraving services. It did not take
long for the "side business" to take off. Howard took a $245 profit
from selling a 1913 Model T that he restored and had purchased earlier
for $5. With his new found profit, he bought a 10" table saw, 6"
jointer, and a bandsaw. Eventually, the wood working eclipsed the farming
and Armstrong Millworks was born.

Howard and Thelma believe that the Lord has blessed the family and
their growing business because they chose to serve Him. Armstrong
Millworks is founded on honesty, pride of ownership, and the
satisfaction in a job well done. This is evident still today in the
high quality of craftsmanship customers receive. Howard and Thelma's
sons, Tom and Dennis, grew up in an environment stressing an intense
work ethic. They watched their father, mother, and grandfather,
Roland, work tirelessly side by side, pushing toward a common goal -
the successful transition from traditional family farm to a custom wood
shop. In addition, Tom and Dennis' sons, Mark and Adam, have both taken
active roles in growing the family's business. Like their fathers,
Mark and Adam grew up around
the mill, surrounded by those same principles of hard work and
integrity.

Today, the shop is run by
Dennis and Adam with the same work ethic and drive that Howard had. To keep with tradition, on any given day, you
may see the next generation of Armstrong children, running around the
shop's office and grounds, as Howard and Thelma have eleven great-grandchildren who are frequent visitors.

Sadly on August 16, 2015, Howard passed away. He
will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but also by friends
that he would see in the shop.

Armstrong Millworks began humbly on a family farm in Highland, Michigan
over seven decades ago, and can still be found on that same parcel of
land today. Still serving the community with the highest quality of
service and materials available, they look forward to serving your
needs.

Articles

Videos

Armstrong Millworks - "In Operation" - 2010

Vintage Armstrong Millworks, Featured on the "Home For Life" local cable network - June 1995